OTOH, once could argue that artistically and culturally speaking, "being punk" has become a kind of cosplay in and of itself. And Hot Topic is where you get the supplies. Zing.

More seriously, I do think Punk isn't really an extant form of music anymore (though I feel that way about most musical genres which peaked between 1955 and 1990). What do you guys think?

Can't really comment on Punk. I dabble in punk, as a metal head, and having a few friends that listen to punk but, other wise the subculture and it's norms I haven't a clue about. Being particularly into thrash, I've often asked myself if that particular sub genre is truly on a "revival" or if it died long ago. Modern thrash bands are typically a different beast and I think it can mostly be attributed to cultural and technological differences of a new generation trying to be filtered through the lens of the past. To me it seems they get the basic framework but, none of the substance. Any way I could go longer and on about that but, as far a punk goes, I think what I was trying to drive at is, is it dead? No. Has it evolved into something else or changed through time? Yes, and there in lies the debate of whether that change is an evolution or whether it bares no resemblance to it's origin anymore and is a new "species".

Newhouse:is it dead? No. Has it evolved into something else or changed through time? Yes, and therein lies the debate of whether that change is an evolution or whether it bears no resemblance to its origin anymore and is a new "species".

Couldn't agree more. Same could be said of so many styles: hard rock, prog, gothic... and beyond popular music as well, how is minimalism today related to what it was in the late 60s, or does anyone still write spectral music "properly speaking"? It's always fascinating to see things evolve.

In the case of Punk, I'd say one important aspect to look at is the political side of it. Different contexts can only produce different forms of protest, even if protesting itself remains.

Which brings us to the ever important awesomeness of Bikini Kill, still relevant after all these years.RIGHTS! RIGHTS! YOU'VE GOT RIGHTS!

Cool cosplaying too, btw :)Can't help but feel sorry for Sailor Pluto, though, what with becoming a dwarf sailor and stuff.

These girls need some additional credit for sticking it out through some real nasty weather. Even when it started snowing (heavy, wet snow), they'd group up and pose until everyone had gotten their perfect photo.